Find a Job You Really Want In
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and happiness. The goal is to find a harmonious blend of work commitments and personal life that allows individuals to thrive both professionally and personally.
While some individuals choose to dedicate more time to their careers, many others prioritize social activities and leisure. Fortunately, there are several cities in Kansas that exemplify a strong work-life balance, offering residents the opportunity to enjoy their jobs while also having ample time for family and friends.
We analyzed data from the latest American Community Survey to pinpoint the 100 largest cities in Kansas that excel in maintaining a separation between work and home life, ensuring a balanced lifestyle.
After careful consideration, here are the ten cities in Kansas that stand out for their exceptional work-life balance:
- Garden City
- Hillsboro
- Hesston
- Olathe
- Derby
- Leawood
- Hays
- Lindsborg
- Wamego
- Shawnee
Continue reading to discover how we pinpointed these cities that place a high value on happiness and satisfaction in daily life.
How We Determined the Best Work-Life Balance Cities in Kansas
Achieving work-life balance hinges on key characteristics, primarily happiness and life satisfaction. Residents in these cities enjoy ample time at work, while also engaging in activities that bring them joy.
To identify the top locations, we utilized specific criteria from the American Community Survey:
- Commute time (Shorter is better)
- Hours worked per week (Shorter is better)
- Size of household (Higher is better)
- Unemployment rate (Lower is better)
- Poverty rate (Lower is better)
- Recreational opportunities per capita (Higher is better)
Essentially, if residents experience shorter commutes, work fewer hours, and enjoy a supportive family structure, they are more likely to achieve a work-life balance.
Moreover, it is vital for cities to offer diverse activities and job opportunities. Therefore, we utilized Yelp data for recreational offerings, along with metrics on unemployment and poverty rates, to ensure a comprehensive analysis.
Each city was ranked from one to 66 across these criteria, with the top score (one) representing the best in each category.
Finally, we averaged the rankings across all criteria, with the city achieving the lowest overall score being designated as the “City with the Best Work-Life Balance in Kansas.”
Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of these ten cities that prioritize relaxation and happiness for their residents.
1. Garden City
Population: 26,768
2. Hillsboro
Population: 2,964
3. Hesston
Population: 3,596
4. Olathe
Population: 128,050
5. Derby
Population: 23,021
6. Leawood
Population: 32,285
7. Hays
Population: 20,766
8. Lindsborg
Population: 3,461
9. Wamego
Population: 4,455
10. Shawnee
Population: 62,939
In conclusion, Kansas offers a variety of cities that foster an ideal work-life balance. By prioritizing both professional and personal fulfillment, these communities ensure that residents can lead happy and satisfying lives.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
